This Virginia Opossum has made a serious miscalculation. Something inspired her to climb this tree in the middle of the famed UTSWMC heron rookery—a tree full egret nests!
Was the opossum after eggs, or was she just fleeing from some perceived danger when she ascended the tree? Whatever the case, the birds were not pleased about her intrusion! Quite a fracus erupted as the opossum approached the top of the tree. The birds squawked and the opossum hissed—mostly bluffs and posturing by all involved.
But you could see in the opossum’s body language that she knew she had made a mistake. There were simply too many birds and too many sharp beaks in this tree to contend with. She started looking for a way out.
Certainly also on her mind was the well-being of the unseen juvenile opossums she was carrying in her marsupial pouch. Look carefully at the pictures and you will see that this opossum’s belly is quite distended. Up to thirteen youngsters could be hitching a ride with their mom.
Eventually, the mother opossum did get turned around, and she began what can only be described as a treacherous descent. Like an insane tightrope artist she worked her way down from the treetop by traveling along a series of vines dangling from the branches—some were horizontally strung, and some were vertical. Quite a feat of acrobatics.
When safely away from the angry birds, the opossum demonstrated just how “day in the life” this episode was for her—with a mighty yawn. Easy.
What a terrific opossum adventure story – and gorgeous photos. Love the sunlight shining through mama’s ears and making her pink toes gleam. Glad she made it down. They are such strange animals, our only marsupials…
Hello, I am a middle school student in Idaho, and I would like to ask permission to download the picture of an opossum that appears [Through out your blog]. I would like to include it in a school assignment. Thank you, [E.Tully].